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Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment

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What is a Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder, previously known as multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition that is likely caused by severe trauma, often during early childhood (usually extreme, repetitive physical, sexual, or emotional abuse).

Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct or split identities or personality states that continually have power over the person’s behavior.

Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment is highly specialized and requires highly-skilled and experienced licensed therapists. At Reconnect, our ‘trauma-first’ approach to mental health treatment is ideally suited for effective DID treatment. 

Common Symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder

Depersonalization

Depersonalization is one of the most common symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It occurs when an individual feels detached from their own body and experiences a sense of unreality or disconnection from the world around them. Sometimes described as an “out of body” experience. Feelings of depersonalization are often disturbing and can feel like living in a dream or being detached from reality and out of control to a degree. Depersonalization can be a response to extreme trauma and can interfere with daily functioning. 

Symptoms of depersonalization include:

  • Feeling like you are observing your own thoughts, feelings, your body or parts of your body from outside yourself. 
  • Feeling robot or ‘zombie-like’ or somehow not in control of your speech or movement.
  • A distorted sense of your limbs or body. Legs or arms appear too big or too small.
  • Emotional and/or physical numbness of your senses and interactions with others.
  • Feeling disconnected from your own memories, as if they aren’t your own or you have no emotional tie to them. 

Derealization

Derealization is another primary symptom of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It’s often described as a sense of detachment from reality, as if the world around you doesn’t quite feel real. This can be accompanied by feelings of depersonalization which involve feeling detached from your own body or emotions. It is important to note that this symptom is quite real and it is caused by trauma. Derealization is not “made up”, nor is it merely an exaggeration of the sense of “spacieness” that everyone gets from time to time. Dissociative Identity Disorder treatment at Reconnect  focused on helping people process their traumatic experiences in order to reduce symptoms of derealization. Our trauma treatment also includes education about DID as well as techniques for grounding, relaxation, and stress management. 

Symptoms of derealization include:

  • A sense of alienation or unfamiliarity with your surroundings, as you are living in a dream.
  • A distorted sense of time. Recent events feel like they happened in the distant past. 
  • Distortions in your perception of distance or the size and shape of things around you. 
  • Emotional disconnection from people you love, like there is a window or wall between you.
  • The world appearing flat, two-dimensional, artificial and colorless 
  • The world seems unusually clear and a sense of hyperawareness.

Amnesia

This is the failure to recall significant personal information that is so extensive it cannot be blamed on ordinary forgetfulness.One of the most common symptoms of DID, amnesia can be disorienting, confusing and upsetting. An episode of amnesia usually occurs suddenly and may last minutes, hours, or rarely, months or years. 

Dissociative amnesia is often tied directly to traumatic events, like sexual assault or combat experiences. Less commonly, it may include complete loss of memory about oneself. Sometimes it can lead to a dissociative fugue, which consists of geographical wandering and a person leaving their life behind inexplicably and suddenly. 

Dissociative Identity Disorder treatment focuses on addressing the trauma that led to the development of DID and helping those affected regain control over their thoughts and behavior. Treatment for DID often includes a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes. The trauma-focused approach we use at Reconnect can help reduce these symptoms and empower people with healthy coping mechanisms. 

Identity Confusion or Identity Alteration

Identity confusion and identity alteration are another core symptom of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It occurs when an individual experiences difficulty in distinguishing between different identities which exist within themselves and feel like two separate people. This can be very confusing and frightening for the person, as they may experience several conflicting thoughts and emotions simultaneously. This is the aspect of DID that led to it being called “multiple personality disorder” in the past. 

Identity confusion often stems from trauma. In DID, trauma is often so severe that the individual creates separate identities to cope with and compartmentalize the trauma. These alternate identities may have distinct personality traits, memories, or beliefs which can cause confusion when trying to make sense of them in one body. Each identity can take on a different name, age, gender and occupation. 

The experience of identity confusion can lead to a sense of uncertainty about who the person really is and what their true purpose in life is. This can be a very disorienting feeling, and it is important for people with DID to have support from mental health professionals to help them find clarity and understanding during this difficult time. With the right amount of care and understanding, individuals can learn to recognize the uniqueness of their different identities and develop a sense of self-compassion

The Reconnect Recovery Difference

Reconnect programs are different. Here you will find dissociative identity disorder treatment that is evidence-based and practical, but always delivered with warmth and compassion. The dedicated mental health professionals at Reconnect are invested in the long-term wellness of every person in our care. 

 

The mission here is to not only provide relief during treatment, but to give people the knowledge, understanding and tools they need to continue to grow and progress after treatment. Under the leadership of renowned trauma specialist, Dr. Karol Darsa Psy.D. we provide intensive, transformational treatment for dissociative identity disorder.

Healing Begins When You Reconnect

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with any of these conditions, or shows symptoms, the team at Reconnect wants to help. No one deserves to live with an untreated or undertreated mental health disorder. Treatment for dissociative identity disorder is more effective today than ever before. The help you and your loved ones deserve is just a phone call away. Contact us at: (310) 713-6739

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881 Alma Real Drive, Suite 311
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 

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Eric Kastan

M.A., LMFT, BCBA
LMFT # 47461, BCBA # 1-12-10496

Clinic Program Director

Eric Kastan is the Clinic Program Director at the Reconnect Trauma Recovery Clinic. He has considerable experience in clinical administration and direct clinical work in neurodiversity, addiction, behavioral disorders, and trauma over the last 20 years. Eric has worked in a wide variety of settings including schools, clinics, and in-home services.

Throughout his career, Eric has been a director of two different agencies, along with a private practice and consultation business as well. He has done several presentations for agencies on working with adolescents, applying psychotherapy theories and interventions for clients on the Autism spectrum, and integrating Applied Behavioral Analysis into psychotherapy. He was brought on as a consultant for Pepperdine University to create and design their new program offering a M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis. In his private practice he supervised many associates in guiding their clinical journey while also seeing a wide variety of clients.

Eric earned his Bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA and went on to get his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. He also completed his post Master’s courses in Applied Behavioral Analysis from University of North Texas. Along with being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), he also completed his credential as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Eric has specialized in addiction, behavioral disorders, and trauma-based presentations. He has a passion for making sure all his clients receive care and treatments that are comprehensive and individualized to the needs they present with. By taking a whole person approach, Eric is able to work with his clients on helping them have a healthy, fulfilling, and independent life. Using compassion and joining his clients, he is able to help them find a path to better living. Eric is focused on working with the rest of the administrative team and Dr. Darsa to provide an open and inviting environment for our clients to seek out help.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys an active lifestyle with working out, sports, and being out and about. Music and concerts are a great outlet for him. In his downtime you will find him as a pop culture nerd, and staying up with all things Star Wars, Marvel, and other similar items. But most of all, Eric enjoys spending time with his family, partner, and kids.

Hayley Miller

Dietitian / ED Specialist

Hayley is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Registered Dietitian.  She is originally from Pennsylvania and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Marywood University and her Master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.  She is trained in Phase 1 of Brainspotting as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy for people with PTSD.  She is also a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian and Supervisor, which means she has taken 4 additional courses on treating people with eating disorders, countless continuing education courses on treating people with eating disorders, passed a certification exam, and has worked with people with eating disorders for over 8 years.  She has a special interest in working with people with eating disorders and trauma.  

She works from a Health At Every Size framework, which means she does not treat people differently based on size and believes people are healthy at every size.  She rejects diet culture mentalities and helps people to nourish their bodies without shame or guilt.  She loves working with people on improving their relationships with food and their bodies.  She combines cognitive behavioral approaches with somatic approaches to help those achieve their goals while also noticing what the body is trying to tell them.  She connects with you on goals you would like to achieve while also noting any barriers that may come up.

Hayley feels called to this work because of her belief that everyone can recover from an eating disorder with a little help and support from providers.

Joshua Welz

Somatic Experiencing

With a scholarly interest in quantifiable research and a deep intuitive felt sense, I blend and integrate both respectful approaches to complete and whole person care. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, a Masters of Education, a Masters of Divinity and with current enrollment in a Masters of Arts in Psychology (emphasis in trauma). This rich tapestry brings a diverse educational background that incorporates the body, mind, and spirit.

In addition to formal education, I am a certified Kripalu yoga instructor, focusing on a trauma informed practice, while guiding individuals to further connect and experience themselves more fully and gently. Additionally, I hold a background in nutritional psychology, which looks into the impact of nutrients upon emotions and neurochemistry. Furthermore, I take time to consider the psycho-spiritual understanding of each person, integrating both Western and Eastern understandings which considers not only the intellectual foundations for a person’s beliefs (be they religious, spiritual, or non-theistic) but also the psycho-emotional impact upon the nervous system. This approach is to fundamentally ground oneself in a practice of deep embodiment with an appreciation for one’s own inward path; notwithstanding considerations of spiritual or religious trauma as well.

Finally, I specialize in a trauma informed practice which considers the  branch of somatics, including Somatic Experiencing, Transforming Touch, Somatic Movement, trauma informed yoga, and embodiment techniques, offering a multidisciplinary approach to whole person care.

Anita Patel

Certified Massage Therapist CAMTC 4220

Anita is a Certified Massage Therapist in the state of California and has been National Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork since 2008. She uses massage and bodywork to fulfill her passion of assisting others to decrease stress levels, relax the nervous system, relieve pain, trauma and physical disabilities. She is trained in somatic bodywork, a holistic mind-body approach used to release, integrate and heal emotions that remain in the body from past negative experiences. Consequently, restoring wholeness and well-being. Clients frequently comment on their increased ability to handle stress more effectively. She works with addiction, PTSD trauma, sexual abuse, and dissociative personality disorder. She also has experience working with special needs and terminally ill children and their families, in a Children’s Hospice Program. Anita is an Ayurvedic Health practitioner and has taken 200-hour Yoga Teacher training. Drawing on these holistic modalities she is able to assess dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and mental states. Thereby, assisting clients maintain a healthy life, eliminate impurities, reduce stress, and disease prevention. Prior to 2008 Anita has worked as a Radiation Therapist in Oncology both in hospital and private clinical environment for over 14 years. She has volunteered at Children’s Hospital Orange County, with the Homeless in Orange and Los Angeles counties. She recently volunteered at a global outreach program teaching and giving massage in India.

Anita is RITTM Informed.

Rhona Rosenblatt

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, LCSW 20553

Rhona Rosenblatt is a Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Integrative Body Psychotherapy practitioner.  Using an integrative approach that favors somatic modalities, Rhona works with clients to explore what is held non-verbally in the body as an avenue toward healing and growth.  Using the body’s wisdom as a guide, therapeutic interventions address traumatic memory, post-traumatic stress, and nervous system dysregulation.  Rhona has found somatic work particularly effective with clients who have experienced acute and relational trauma, and clients often find a reduction in symptoms and an overall sense of improved well-being.

Rhona received her MSW from UCLA and is licensed as an LCSW.  Rhona has previously worked in the field of child abuse and neglect, foster care, and domestic and international adoption, including work with multi-racial and non-traditional families.  Rhona has presented at conferences and spoken on the subjects of adoption and foster care on NBC television and KPCC and KABC radio.  Rhona also worked as a school therapist in the Santa Monica-Malibu school district with children and families presenting with anxiety, panic, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, family violence, and adjustment issues.

Rhona is RITTM Trained.

William Neese

Certified Neurofeedback Practitioner

Before Reconnect, William worked at EEG Institute as a Neurofeedback Clinician. During his time there, he worked to reduce a wide range of symptoms for his clients. Those symptoms included, but were not limited to: anxiety, sleep disturbances, anger, headaches, seizures, attention problems and emotional reactivity issues. He has experience working with anxiety disorders, bi-polar disorder, PTSD, autism, OCD and ADD/ADHD. William uses Neurofeedback to help his clients increase self-regulation in their brains, which allows for additional stability and calming.

Kevin Kunkel

LMFT, SEP

Kevin is a somatic psychotherapist who is EMDR certified, RITTM trained, and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.   He is a both a primary therapist and a somatic experiencing practitioner here at Reconnect.  A  former massage therapist and yoga teacher, he uses innovative  approaches that explore old, fixed ways of feeling and thinking about oneself and the world and co-create new experiences of feeling and thinking.

Kevin continues to assist in Somatic Experiencing trainings and continues his study with advanced trainings in treating the body and mind to create effective improvement in mental and physical wellness.   As well, he continues his own decades-long practice of getting out of his own head and into his body, bringing ever-greater levels of integrity, authenticity, and simplicity when sitting with clients.

Chris Meehan

LMFT

RITTM Specialist

Chris Meehan is a Psychotherapist and Integrative Trauma Recovery Trained Specialist, supervised by Dr. Karol Darsa. As a natural caregiver, Chris has had a lifelong desire to help a broad slice of the population. This desire has led him to extensive experiences treating a wide variety of clients, including treatment resistant clients who suffer from severe depression, anxiety, and psycho-physiological and complex trauma.  He has worked with at-risk youth as a service instructor and counselor, and has a breadth of experience treating substance abuse. 

Chris’s modalities include psychodynamic psychotherapy, childhood developmental work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, REBT, and Mindfulness based psychotherapy.  He has a deep empathy for human suffering, and finds it very fulfilling to journey with his clients towards healing and transformation through the therapeutic process.  He is known for his warmth and relatability, and ability to authentically connect with his clients throughout the course of treatment.

Additionally, Chris volunteers as a facilitator for an annual men’s retreat and monthly meetings, providing men with a unique and confidential space to share and connect, which promotes renewal, community cohesiveness, and personal growth.

Chris is a fourth generation Californian, native San Franciscan, and has lived in the Colorado Mountains, New York City, and San Diego.  He is also an accomplished playwright, whose first love of the creative process introduced him to the vastness of the human experience.

Lisa Pierce

M.A., LMFT

Lisa Pierce has been providing psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, couples  and families in her private practice for 15 years. Using an individualized  approach to the unique needs of each client, Lisa’s framework for treatment is  the RITTM approach. She incorporates multiple modalities in her work, such  as psychodynamic and gestalt therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as  mindfulness-based, and somatic therapy. She believes it is essential to create  a safe, non-judgmental, empathic environment for her clients.  

At Reconnect, Lisa provides treatment for all types of trauma, including sexual  assault, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, and childhood relational trauma,  to name a few. Within the trauma treatment work, areas of focus include  depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders,  relationship issues, and sleep disorders.  

Lisa’s goals include helping her clients to regulate their nervous system,  educate them about how trauma affects their mind and body, as well as  helping them to identify and access suppressed feelings in their body in order  to heal the trauma. Lisa’s clients appreciate her genuine commitment and  heartfelt care and compassion for their wellbeing, and her goal is to support  them in making a positive, transformative change in their lives.  

Lisa received her bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of  Wisconsin- Madison in 1991. She went on to attend Pepperdine University to  earn her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2004. Lisa became licensed  as a Marriage and Family Therapist in 2007. Lisa joined the Reconnect team  in August 2022

Janice Taylor

MFT, LMFT80426

Marriage and Family Therapist

Janice is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University. She is a certified EMDR therapist and trained in the Trauma Resiliency Model.

She works collaboratively with clients to explore behaviors that are preventing them from leading the kind of life they deserve. Janice believes we all developed coping strategies when we were young to protect ourselves. While they helped us survive at the time, she finds they are often the very things holding us back now. Janice uses EMDR and TRM to target the original traumas by employing both the body and the mind. Her belief is that once the original traumas are dealt with, the need for the now maladaptive behaviors are no longer there. She finds symptoms such as depression and anxiety can be alleviated faster when EMDR and TRM are used in conjunction with traditional talk therapy.

Janice became a therapist after seeing for herself the transformative effects of psychotherapy. She knows firsthand that EMDR and TRM are indispensable in the treatment of trauma.

Janice is RITTM Trained.

Daniel Campos

Primary Counselor

Daniel believes in a holistic approach to healing and performance including mind, body, and soul which facilitates internal change and progress. Based on his personal and professional experience he has realized that healing and internal growth is connected to all aspects of a person, not just the cognitive mind. Daniel is a former college and professional basketball player. He received a Master’s degree in Counseling with specialization in drug addiction from Pace University in New York in 2012. Daniel is a trauma specialist with knowledge on transgenerational trauma. He spent the last 8 years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil having a private practice working with a variety of people with varying degrees of mental and mood disorders. He has been trained in Brainspotting since 2014 along with other modalities such as Neurolinguistic Programing, Ericksonian Approach, and Whole Approach to Mind Trauma Therapy. Daniel is also a certified HeartMath Institute trainer providing workshops and individual sessions teaching Heart Coherence Techniques for emotional wellbeing. Lastly, he is versed in Sports Psychology and enjoys working with athletes and anyone interested in enhancing their performance through mental skills and mental preparation.
Daniel is RITTM certified, a licensed counselor in Brazil and is currently working on his licensure in the United States.

Roisin Taylor

AMFT – Primary Therapist

Portland Oregon native, Roisin Taylor is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist whose integrative person-centered and collaborative approach helps clients recognize their internal strength and resources, while achieving personal growth and healing. She believes that individualized therapy that is personalized to meet the unique needs of the client can lead to an increased self-awareness and emotional attunement. The goal of treatment is to feel secure, and obtain a true connection with mind and body, which will allow for therapeutic transformation.

Roisin is trained and certified in the RITTM model developed by Dr. Karol Darsa. She is also a Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor. Roisin received her undergraduate degree at Loyola Marymount University, majoring in Psychology and Special Education. She continued her education at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology where she received her Master’s degree in
Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. Before ReConnect, Roisin worked in outpatient clinics for substance use, specifically opioid addiction. She also has many years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, in the classroom and at home, implementing Applied Behavior Analysis interventions.

Shilloy Sanchez

PhDc, LMFT 90984, CCTP II

Chief Clinical Officer

Shilloy Sanchez is Chief Clinical Officer of the Reconnect outpatient programs. A PhDc, LMFT and CCTP II clinician, she has extensive administrative and clinical experience in trauma, addiction, eating disorder treatment, and school-based programs.

Her career spans three decades and a wide range of leadership positions in clinical psychology, crisis communications, public relations, technology, and youth theater activism. Her journey has been featured on CNN Health and in Seeking Serenity: The 10 New Rules for Health and Happiness in the Age of Anxiety (Penguin Random House 2015).

Before Reconnect, Shilloy was Program Director and Primary Therapist at The Bella Vita, a residential eating disorder treatment facility, and an administrator at Passages, a world-renowned addiction treatment center. In both facilities, Shilloy worked from a strong family systems orientation integrating multifamily and community support groups to the program’s experience.

She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology specializing in Trauma from Antioch University and is a doctoral candidate in Analytical Depth Psychology specializing in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is trained in Brain Spotting (BSP), the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She also holds training/certifications in RITTM, Mother Hunger Level I, Janina Fisher’s TIST Model, Dr. Darsa DID Training,Trauma Focused CBT and Systematic Training for Effective Parenting. 

Shilloy’s approach at Reconnect focuses on the transformational process of restoring wholeness and a deep sense of purpose, achieved by bringing a creative alchemical balance of spirit and soul to structured treatment. Shilloy is committed to working closely with the founder, Dr. Darsa, on individualized trauma treatment that includes an elevated sense of awareness and compassion in its programming. She is also dedicated to ensuring ongoing compliance with licensing and regulatory standards consistent with The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), for all levels of care in the supervision and training of Reconnect’s multidisciplinary clinical team.

An aspiring runner, Shilloy has completed three marathons and is training for her fourth. Her hobbies include hosting backyard barbecues, trying new recipes, and hiking. She lives in Southern California with her partner and two bulldogs.

JORGE RIVERA

Chief Financial Officer

Jorge is a University of California Economics graduate with a computer science, finance and investment background. He has over 30 years of experience managing investments internationally for high net worth individuals, Non-Profit Institutions and Pension Plans. His expertise includes designing information systems dashboards, data simulators and data base integrated solutions for investment firms, pension plans and other institutions.

Jorge has been participating at Reconnect Psychological Services since its inception supporting proudly the efforts of Dr. Darsa in establishing an efficient network of clinicians that can offer one of the best trauma treatment programs.

A dual citizen from Mexico and the United States, Jorge loves spending time with his 3 children camping, snow skiing or hiking.

Dr. Viviana Suaya

MD

Medical Director, A52516

Dr. Viviana Suaya is a Los Angeles psychiatrist with more than two decades of experience in pediatric, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. She and her professional team are committed to providing patients with the very best of care, using expertise and compassion to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient.

Dr. Suaya pursued a medical degree at the Buenos Aires University School of Medicine in Argentina, where she graduated Cum Laude. Her interest in pediatrics inspired her to become a pediatrician, and she completed a postgraduate program at the Children’s Hospital in Buenos Aires in 1988. Two years later, she relocated to Los Angeles to continue postgraduate training at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Psychiatry.

She is an associate professor at Keck school of medicine USC teaching introduction to clinical medicine through the family practice department.

Today, she remains in Los Angeles, where she has unfailingly served patients for more than twenty years. As a Los Angeles psychiatrist with a background in pediatrics, Dr. Suaya specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents.

Dr. Karol Darsa

Psy.D. – PSY19847

Director

Dr. Darsa is a licensed psychologist, an author, creator of RITTM, and founder of Reconnect. She has more than 20 years of clinical and administrative experience in trauma and mental health disorders. Dr. Darsa began her career in 1998 as a foster care social worker and continued her work with abused children and their families and adults abused as children.

In 2002, Dr. Darsa began studying with Christine Schenk, founder of the CHRIS-Technique, a unique energy work focused on teaching clients how to ground themselves in their bodies. Dr. Darsa has completed numerous evidence-based trainings in the treatment of trauma and mental health disorders, including Master Level in Brainspotting and in EMDR.  In addition, she completed 2 years of Somatic Experiencing and 1 year of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. With each advanced training, Dr. Darsa developed a deeper understanding of trauma processes and healing, and developed Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model which is an n integration of evidence-based, cutting-edge trauma treatment models.

In 2012 Dr. Darsa became the co-creator of Invisible War Recovery, a program designed to treat military sexual trauma survivors. She has been interviewed by Katie Couric, Susan Ortolano, and Lisa Tahir, and was featured on the Voice of America. She lectures about trauma treatment at various universities such as the University of Southern California, UCLA and Cal Lutheran. She also speaks at treatment centers and conferences.

Dr. Darsa realized that what is often missing in trauma treatment is a finely attuned, gentle, body based process to help heal and reconnect mind and body when clients become disregulated due to traumatic events, developmental trauma, or emotional disorders. Thus, Dr. Darsa created RITTM to close those missing gaps in trauma treatment. Reconnect Center embodies that philosophy in offering intensive one on one work to help truly heal each individual that comes through her doors.

A native of Turkey, Dr. Darsa has been living in the United States for 25 years. She has also lived in Spain, France and Brazil. Dr. Darsa’s exposure to numerous ethnic and social groups allows her to understand the cultural differences in human thought and behavior. She can provide therapy in English, Spanish, French and Turkish and is able to converse in Italian and Portuguese as well.

To learn more about Dr. Karol Darsa, please visit her website.

May I keep my phone and laptop there?

The team at Reconnect wants all of our guests to feel comfortable. You are welcome to use your devices in the supportive housing locations. We ask that you always respect the privacy of others and refrain from any activity that disrupts the peace and calm of shared living spaces. Electronic devices are prohibited in our clinical spaces to preserve our therapeutic environments.

Do you accept my health insurance?

Our Reconnect Clinic program is proud to work with most major private health insurance providers. If you have your insurance card when you call, we will be happy to perform a confidential verification of benefits for you and provide you the details for your plan. At Reconnect we offer a range of options for mental health treatment, after your initial phone evaluation we will explain what we can do for you and provide recommendations for your care.

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

We understand many people have special dietary needs whether they be due to allergies, conscience or beliefs. Vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free and other common preferences can usually be accommodated with sufficient notice. Please be sure to inform us of any dietary requirements during your initial phone consultation with Reconnect. 

Where do I sleep while I’m in treatment?

Reconnect offers beautiful supportive housing close to our clinical treatment locations. If you live locally you have the option of sleeping at your own home, or with family or friends in the area. Reconnect recommends a stay in our supportive housing accommodations whenever possible for the best results. Most clients find they achieve a more immersive experience if they stay with us during treatment, even if they live locally. 

Dr. Arno Kroner

DAOM LAc Dipl.OM MBA

Acupuncture Specialist

Dr Arno Kroner is a Board Certified California Licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and integrative medicine doctor who specializes in endurance sports medicine, trauma care, post op and injury recovery as well as pain management, sleep disorders, migraines and addiction treatment. Arno graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Doctorate & Master in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Emperor’s College in Santa Monica, CA. In addition to academic studies, he completed residency training at The Roy and Edna Disney Family Cancer Center in Burbank as well as at the Being Alive Community Clinic in West Hollywood, CA. Finally, Dr Kroner is also a Medical Reviewer and a member of the Medical Advisory Board at Very Well Health and health.com. 

Roni Silberstein

AMFT

Roni Silberstein is an AMFT Primary Therapist, RITTM Specialist, and Client Care Advocate at both the Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Clinic and the Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Center. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles specializing in Psychological Trauma Studies. She holds certifications in many areas of trauma treatment, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychological First Aid, and RITTM. 

In her work at Reconnect, Roni brings creativity, insight, and gentle support to help her clients strengthen self-compassion, the mind-body connection, increase self-awareness, process trauma, and achieve healing. She takes a client-centered approach to her work both as a clinician and as Client Care Advocate, meeting the unique needs of each client in both clinical settings and in discharge planning. 

 Roni is a Los Angeles native and is an accomplished classical musician. Her extensive experience in music opened her mind to the creative process and unspoken emotional connections between people. In her free time, she likes to make art and pet dogs.

DR.SANAE SUZUKI

DAOM, LAc, Dipl.OM

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Group Facilitator

Dr. Sanae Suzuki is a trauma-informed integrative primary care practitioner with a focus on mental health. She has over a decade of experience in holistic medicine and seven+ years of working with trauma patients. She believes to optimize our mental health, requires the whole-person approach, including mind, lifestyle & nutrition, sleep, physical, social, and spiritual well-being.
 
She is originally from Japan and received her bachelor’s in Philosophy from Nihon University. She received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Eastern Asian Medicine from Emperor’s College in Santa Monica, California. During her doctoral fellowship, her interests in mental health, sleep medicine, and addiction medicine became concrete. Additionally, she also received Functional Medicine training at The Institute for Functional Medicine and Apex Energetics, Trauma Therapy training at Somatic Experiencing International, and Biofeedback training at HeartMath Institute.
 

She splits her work hours between her private practice and several mental health programs in LA County. Her previous work experience includes Venice Family Clinic Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center Chronic Pain Program, Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, and Being Alive! HIV Community Wellness Center.

She has been a member of Acupuncturists Without Borders for years and volunteers locally and internationally to provide disaster relief and refugee care.

Danielle Pegnato

Danielle has over 10 years of experience working in the healthcare industry. Before joining the team at Reconnect, she managed the day-to-day operations for an integrative medical nutrition therapy practice in Santa Monica. Originally from the East Coast of Massachusetts, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management & Policy at the University of New Hampshire. Prior to moving to Los Angeles to pursue her MBA at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, Danielle  worked for a large post-acute care hospital and outpatient network in the greater Boston area coordinating network-wide digital transformation projects and managing Medical Staff Credentialing operations. She also mentored several interns through a workforce development program designed to prepare folks for full-time job placement in rewarding healthcare administrative roles.

During her time at UCLA, Danielle completed an internship at a digital health startup working in business development, marketing, and sales, helping the young company re-brand and enter the senior care market with their technology application. She worked as a strategic consultant for a cohort of healthcare executives and community health advocates participating in an executive training program during which they developed high-impact strategic projects. Over the course of several months, she worked one-on-one with each participant  to help advance their health clinic/system’s mission through organizational assessments, project planning, and goal setting focused on improving patient care, staff satisfaction, and community impact. Danielle was also the business advisor for a team of Physicians bringing an innovative new women’s health drug to market. She assisted them in developing a strategic business plan and set them up for success as they embarked on the lengthy journey of drug development and commercialization. Danielle is very proud of the work she was able to do and the highly talented and inspiring healthcare professionals she was able to interact with during her MBA journey that took place mostly during the global pandemic.

In addition to healthcare, Danielle is passionate about music. She holds a Minor in Music from the University of New Hampshire, participated in international choral singing competitions in 3 different European countries, and played the clarinet in various music ensembles for over 15 years. In her down time, she enjoys playing pop, folk, soul, and classic rock songs on the ukulele.

Leila Yang

Program Assistant

Republic of China where she successfully mastered language skills that pressed her to complete her master’s degree in International Management from Surrey University, UK.
 
Leila has been a pioneer and leader with over ten years in the challenging and rewarding Invitro Fertilization Science (IVF). She has helped established IVF on three Continents and multiple cultural environments with an unmatched degree of professionalism.
 
From the United Kingdom, she accepted assignments in the United States specific to Southern California. She was instrumental in integrating Health Care Services and IVF into worldwide markets to bring to best components for Complete Treatment.
 
As an industry pioneer, she can be relied on and she is a good team member. During her spare time, She likes to play tennis, watch movies and she likes to collect whiskey.

Tami Remen

SEP

Somatic Therapist

Tami Remen is a Somatic Experience Practitioner (SEP).  She graduated from the Somatic Experience Institute, founded by Peter Levine. In addition to this 3-year program, she has completed several advanced trainings in somatic touch, developmental trauma and working with syndromes.  In the past, Tami worked as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Wellness Coach.  She has also attended Jon Kabat Zinn’s mindfulness-based stress reduction workshops and completed The Dynamic Neural Retraining System Program, developed by Annie Hopper.  Her past academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from The American University and a Master of International Business from The American Graduate School of International Management.
Tami is passionate about and devoted to helping people access more joy and synergy in their lives.   Her work supports her clients to discover their innate capacity to heal deeply held stress, emotional pain, and trauma.

Sam Breen

AMFT

Associate Primary Therapist

Sam is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about the mind-body connection and the body’s innate wisdom to heal itself after challenging life experiences. Her therapeutic style integrates depth therapy with trauma-informed somatic practices, mindfulness, and self-compassion. She brings her warm gentle nature and holistic approach to support clients in uncovering their true resilient selves.
 
In addition to her work as a trauma therapist at Reconnect, she works in private practice with teens and adults, works with teens at a crisis hotline, and facilitates surf therapy groups for women. Sam’s work engages the mind, body, and heart with influences from trainings in the Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model, Trauma Resiliency Model (Levels 1 and 2), Brainspotting Phase 1, and the Hakomi Method. Additionally, her yoga, meditation, and surf practices inform her work. As an inclusive therapist, Sam feels grateful to support people of all ages, races, sexualities, genders, abilities, and backgrounds in reconnecting with Self, others, and community.
 
Sam received her undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in Psychological & Brain Sciences. She then went on University of Southern California to complete her M.S. in Applied Psychology, where she was immersed in the field of psychological research. Inspired to pursue further clinical training, she went back to graduate school to receive her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, where she specialized in Spiritual and Depth Psychology.

Is Reconnect LGBTIQA+ Friendly?

At Reconnect, we are dedicated to helping people from all walks of life, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions and belief systems. Every human being deserves the opportunity to heal mind, body and soul from the impact of trauma and mental health disorders. This is a safe space for all who seek healing and recovery. We are 100% LGBTIQA+ friendly and safe. 

Huriye Kossekoglu

Huriye obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations. She has 7 years of experience as a personal portfolio manager in banking in Turkey. She also assisted her clients as an insurance liaison in branches where she worked .

Huriye moved to the US in 2018 in order to pursue her education in the States. She obtained a Finance certificate from UCLA extension in 2020 and She is currently a full time MBA student at Westcliff University in Irvine/Los Angeles.

 She dedicated herself to personal development since she landed in the States in 2018. She is aiming to gain more interpersonal skills to touch other’s lives. Her hobbies include Bachata, Salsa dancing and photography. She also loves to be in nature and going on hikes.

Selin Muslu

Program Assistant

Originally from Turkey, Selin graduated from University of California, Los Angeles where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Following her graduation, Selin joined the Reconnect team in 2021 to gain experience working in the mental health field,  as Selin aspires to become a Clinical Psychologist and is aiming to pursue a Doctor of Psychology degree. In her down time Selin enjoys doing yoga, reading, and going to the beach.

Fatima Haddi

Financial Auditor

Fatima has a master’s in Finance and has been working at Reconnect for 2 years. She excels at assisting clients with all billing matters as well as compiling and analyzing financial information.

She’s passionate about working in the mental health space because she knows she’s making a difference in people’s lives. Her empathy paired with her quick decision-making skills have helped her excel at her role at Reconnect.

A few of her interests include Cycling, going on long walks and music.

Grayson Leonard

After many years of my own journey with substance abuse and mental health, I chose to start working in the field to help others on their journey. My experience allows me to meet the clients where they are, have a relatable understanding, empathy and compassion for their situations.

Enrique Munoz

Program Assistant

Enrique graduated and currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. At the moment, trying to pursue a master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. Enrique aspires to work with the Latinx community in hope of providing counseling and support services for struggling families. His intent is to help individuals who have been affected by trauma and bring means to these individuals who do not have them.

Enrique has been involved with educating individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities. He has provided guidance and support to these clients by educating them on basic life skills and coping strategies. Creating connections and establishing boundaries, he was able to create a safe and professional environment for his clients. Furthermore, he builds relationships that cultivated into a thriving and overall, positive experience.

He loves traveling to many different places and experiencing the culture around him. From the food to the music, Enrique has a great appreciation of cultural diversity and to the people surrounding that. He likes to watch films, cook, run, hike, and embrace life. As a Program Assistant, he works closely with the administrative team and clinical team to ensure that clients are receiving the best experience while at Reconnect.

Pronouns: He/His/Him

Lisa Maslavi

CADC

Lisa is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CADC), specializing in substance abuse, and dual diagnosis treatment. She has been working in the field since 2016. Lisa utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Techniques (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques (CBT), Motivational Interviewing Methods, and Addiction Recovery. Lisa has her own journey through recovery and therefore has the ability to connect with clients, meeting them where they are.

Marina Dumanyan

Outpatient Program Manager

Marina has eight years of experience in the banking industry and close to a decade in the herbal industry providing elaborative instruction in the use of herbal therapy and understanding and practicing principles of preventive nutrition, eradicating the cause of disease utilizing wholesome foods and intensive detoxification programs, and healing the body through natural methods. She holds a Nutritional Herbalist certification from the School of Natural Healing and is pursuing a BS degree in natural health science, concentrating on clinical nutrition. She loves the outdoors, traveling, watching documentaries, reading, decoding ingredient lists, yoga, drawing, festivals, has great appreciation for cultural diversity and listening to music from all over the world. As program coordinator, she works closely with the clinical director as well as clinicians to ensure that clients are assigned the best possible schedule.

Peter Smick

AMFT

Peter Smick is an AMFT Primary Therapist at the Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Clinic. His integrative, relational approach helps clients find their voice and harness their inner strength on the pathway to healing.  He believes that individualized therapy that is tailored to meet the unique needs of the client can lead to increased self-awareness, self-regulation and emotional attunement. The goal of treatment is to reconnect with self in mind, body, and spirit, allowing for authentic relation with self and others enroute to therapeutic transformation.

Peter earned his Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Analytical Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute, specializing in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. Prior to joining Reconnect, Peter spent two years at the Maple Counseling Center, where he worked as a primary therapist with individual adults, adolescents and families. He also facilitated groups on creating meaningful relationships. He also has experience working with clients who have suffer from process addictions, such as sex/love and social media addiction.

A Washington, D.C. native, Peter began his career in the entertainment industry in New York City after completing his B.A. at Columbia University. Working in media and market research opened his eyes to the psychographic significance of understanding the wants and needs of an audience. After attending UCLA’s graduate Film School, Peter spent a decade working in marketing and advertising in the entertainment industry. Working roles in creative strategy and social media strategy prior to his therapeutic work, and garnering analytical insights therein, he remains fascinated about the interpersonal neurobiological implications of society’s ubiquitous mobile platform, always-on social content consumption.

Ellen Hair

APCC
Ellen is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for trauma-informed therapy. She received her Master’s in Counseling from Webster University and pursued training in RITTM, EMDR, and Brainspotting.
 
Ellen first began utilizing trauma-informed therapy working with survivors of trafficking in St. Louis, Missouri. She recognized the importance of somatic work and reconnecting survivors with their bodies. Ellen practices from a place of empathy, and kindness, and always with a nonjudgemental approach. She honors the courage it takes to seek trauma treatment and values the individual strengths of each client she meets.

Shana Bujake

AMFT

Shana Bujake is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist whose person centered approach helps clients to create a sense of empowerment and a positive self image. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, with an emphasis in spiritual and depth psychology. She is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), RITTM, Reiki and was trained in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.

Shana is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but spent most of her childhood years in Clearwater Beach, Florida. She moved to Brentwood in 2004 where she raised her two children who are now in their late teens. In her free time she enjoys yoga, hiking, and spending time with her family and Bobo the kitten.

Gina Simonelli

MA, LPCC, Brainspotting, RITTM

Gina obtained her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy from Lesley University. She has been working in the field of mental health and trauma treatment for approximately 10 years, in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment programs, skilled nursing facilities, addiction treatment centers, and community outreach. Providing individual and group support, Gina has worked with clients across the life span to develop a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment at every age. 

Gina utilizes compassion, attunement, and mindfulness to help clients connect with their inner wisdom that guides each person’s unique healing journey. Her therapeutic process is person-centered and strengths-based, drawing upon creativity, warmth, and humor in each clinical relationship.

Gina is trained in expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, body-oriented psychotherapy, Brainspotting levels 1 and 2, and RITTM, and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She continues to maintain an active connection with the arts as a way to support both her personal and professional development.

Maia Akiva

Writing Teacher

Maia Akiva is a Motivational Speaker, Entertainer, Facilitator, a reality bender and an emotional researcher who dips into every flavor of human behavior and self-discovery using self-help fiction, magical realism, original visual storytelling and and emotional coaching.

Originally from Israel. Her award-winning self-help plays and short stories have been produced and published all over the United States in the past 10 years, inspiring hundreds of people to go on a journey of understanding, get to know themselves better and deeper, and ask themselves some important questions about their inner emotional lives, their struggles and their relationship with themselves. She led workshops of self-discovery at Models of Pride conference in the US, and at Brave Trails Camp, Resilience Treatment Center, Reconnect center and many more awesome places. She teaches meditation at The Den Meditation in Los Angeles. Maia’s creative work and her desire to help people take a look at themselves come from her own experience. After turning her back on herself for many years, suffering from depression and self-negativity she finally decided to start a new relationship with herself and turned her life around, living a life full of Joy and positivity.

Maia is RITTM Informed.

Sezin Hason

Having formally trained in Economics and Graphic Design, Sezin worked with the independent film industry in worldwide distribution and production for about 15 years. In her mid 30s, she started to question her career choices and with that came lots of inner research and self development courses. Having always interested in health and wellness, she became a Certified Holistic Health Coach.

Sezin found helping people achieve physical health very rewarding but when she got diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, she learned the hard way that physical health without mental and emotional health was not enough. She soon established her company MindBodySoul Healing Center.

Sezin is now a Certified Co-Active Coach, Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath® Trainer, NLP Master Practitioner, EFT/TFT Tapping Practitioner, Seeking Safety Facilitator, Mindfulness Practitioner, and Master Trainer with Points of You® whose teachings are based on therapeutic photography. Sezin is currently studying for her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. 

Through her own company Sezin continues to see coaching clients and facilitate corporate workshops/trainings on various topics. Sezin is a specialist at Reconnect IntegrativeTrauma Treatment Center doing individual and group HeartMath and Mindfulness sessions.

Sezin is RITTM informed.

Ruhi Bhakta

MASSAGE CERT. #7368

Hi, I’m Ruhi (Ridhdhi), a certified yoga instructor and a licensed massage therapist

I began this journey as a young girl with my chaperone, my 100-year-old grandfather who cultivated in me, a holistic approach to maintaining a healthy mind and body. Meditation, yoga and an ayurvedic way of eating had been a part of my daily regime ever since I was young. It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. in my teenage years that I recognized that my normal way of life wasn’t the normal for many in the US. As I learned throughout the years, my normal way of living was in fact a sought after lifestyle in the western world. 

NUTRITION: I have acquired experience and qualifications in nutrition (BS in Nutrition, CSULA), I started as a nutritionist at WIC (women, Infant and children center). Simultaneously, I also conducted many seminars on health and healing, such as Nutrition on Diabetes and Hypertension, Nutrition for Mental health and many more for the general public in my community. 

YOGA & MEDITATION: I have acquired experience and qualifications in breathing and meditation techniques (Art of Living program, Los Angeles CA), a 200 hours certification in yoga instruction (Yoga and Ayurveda Center) and a certification in Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method to receive the knowledge necessary to work with trauma survivors in diverse settings in a way that is empowering, healing and resists re-traumatization.

As a yoga instructor, I support my clients at The Reconnect Center by providing them with a safe, supportive space to reclaim their bodies and empower their own healing and trauma resolution through yoga sessions.  I also host zoom classes for seniors, teaching chair yoga and for busy mothers, holding space for them as they carve out some “me” time for themselves. 

MASSAGE: I have acquired experience and qualifications in a State Certification in Massage therapy (CMT, Kali Massage Institute and Somatic Therapies) specializing in neuro-muscular therapy and trigger point therapy.  As a massage therapist since 2007, I have helped many people recover from their injuries and traumas. I have also worked as massage therapist instructor at the Burke Williams Academy, teaching over 500 hours in their massage therapy program, guiding my students into their career path to become successful massage therapists. Now, at The Reconnect Center, I practice massage therapy using restorative practices as tools, supporting clients in accessing a state of potent healing.

Finally, by combining my skills & experience in yoga & massage therapy, I wish to continue my efforts in helping people reconnect with themselves, bringing the attention inwards, taking control of their body and mind, to slow down, to breathe and to be present.

I believe that a balance in physical, mental and spiritual health is vital for any individual who wants to live their life fully.

With Gratitude,
Ruhi Bhakta

Anne Platt

C-IAYT, YTRx-500c

Certified Yoga Therapist, RITTM Informed, Yoga for Mental Health Certification, Long Exhale Yoga Therapy Certification – 300 hours

An accomplished Yoga Therapist and teacher, Anne has developed and managed Yoga programs for a wide range of organizations and studios – including the Tower Cancer Research Center, the Veterans Yoga Project(501c3) and the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration – where she pioneered an innovative Yoga Therapy program to help combat vets reduce and manage symptoms of PTSD and other combat-related injuries.

A graduate of the 4-year Loyola Marymount University Yoga Therapy Rx program, Anne has provided Yoga Therapy at the Venice Family Clinic and Pacific Teen Rehab, as well as for a wide variety of corporate and private clients. Her background in dance and fitness gives her a unique insight into body alignment and strength training.

What makes Reconnect different?

At Reconnect, we address the root causes of conditions instead of simply treating symptoms. We take a “trauma first” approach to conditions like PTSD, depression and anxiety. This allows for deeper, much more complete healing and continued progress long after treatment here is completed. Our Reconnect Center program offers far more sessions of intensive individual therapy than most mental health programs. Both the Reconnect Center and Reconnect Clinic deliver practical, evidence-based treatment for a wide range of mental health disorders with warmth and compassion.